The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
Issue link: https://thelinguist.uberflip.com/i/1277318
NICOLE FENWICK As a new translator back in September 2018, I was looking for a way to prove my authenticity to new clients and to build up my business. An English and French law degree, a master's from a top university and a wealth of experience in the legal profession weren't always enough to convince clients to place their most confidential documents in my hands. This is where CIOL membership comes into its own. When a potential client needs reassurance, membership of a professional organisation endorses you as a professional. On many occasions it has sealed the deal, helping me to reel in those dream clients. Using a CIOL member provides peace of mind, giving clients a safety blanket if you aren't up to scratch. I want to make my professional JOJO RAMSDEN Work circumstances in the time of Covid-19 have been even more challenging than usual. Freelance translators generally work from home most of the time, so the transition to working online has been relatively straightforward. On the other hand, it can be easy to get stuck in our ways, while trying to find time to work on important CPD (continuing professional development). On the upside, I have continued to receive decent translation projects, and have managed to move my language teaching online, which has been an interesting learning curve. These times have hurled me out of my comfort zone, but that is also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. The outlook has been positive in many ways. The support offered recently in the world of translation, teaching and business has been incredible, and I have been taken on by new agencies who found me through the CIOL Find-a-Linguist service. I have received the majority of my agency work since becoming a CIOL member and being listed there. In addition to the other services available, this makes my membership extremely worthwhile. I would like to share six tips based on my recent experiences, and supported by my CIOL membership, with a view to being positive and proactive during these challenging times: 1 Work on getting new agencies and/or direct clients in order to maintain or increase income. Make sure your profile on the PANDEMIC INSIGHTS From Find-a-Linguist to professional recognition, linguists reveal how CIOL membership can help in times of crisis ethics perfectly clear to prospective clients, so I provide a direct link to the CIOL Code of Professional Conduct on my website. Transparency is paramount in business and the CIOL code lays down the law so that everyone knows exactly where they stand. I've been lucky enough to forge lasting professional relationships as a result of the Find-a-Linguist function. I make a habit of asking new clients how they found me and why they contacted me, and my CIOL membership has paid off time and time again. To date, my favourite answer was from a fellow translator: it turned out she was a fan of the hats from Fenwick department stores, so my name had positive connotations for her. That's the first time I've heard that one, but it perfectly encapsulates the power of words. The CIOL name and reputation continue to speak for themselves. Professional support thelinguist.uberflip.com